The family of an 11-year-old boy who died suddenly said it was related to a TikTok challenge.
Tommy Lee Gracie Billington died on Saturday after being found unconscious at a friend's house in Greensett Close, Lancaster.
His grandmother then spoke out and blamed the devastating loss on a new and dangerous online challenge called 'Chrome'.
Lancashire Police said the death, which occurred on Saturday, was being treated as “unexplained” and an investigation was ongoing.
Tina Burns, an assistant who lives in Clayton-le-Woods, told the local newspaper in an emotional appeal. lancashire post: “It takes a cause to report in the media what killed my grandson.
“He died instantly after a sleepover at a friend's house. The boys were trying out the TikTok trend 'Chrome.'
“Tommy Lee immediately went into cardiac arrest and died on the spot. The hospital tried everything to bring him back, but to no avail. He was gone.”
“Chroming” is the act of inhaling toxic chemicals such as paints, solvents, aerosol cans, adhesives, cleaning products, and gasoline, resulting in a short-term high.
This dangerous practice is extremely dangerous and can lead to heart attack, suffocation, and permanent damage to the liver, brain, and kidneys.
Burns said on Facebook: I just love you so much, buddy. My baby, you will be in my heart forever. I will do everything in my power to make sure your name and your beautiful face saves the lives of other children and is the reason another family doesn't have to go through such deep, deep hurt. ”
Burns told the publication that both sides of Tommy Lee's family are now campaigning for stricter online safety measures, including banning access to TikTok for anyone under 16.
In a heartbreaking eulogy, grieving family members described the boy as a “cheerful, energetic boy” with a “heart of gold” and said they were “absolutely devastated”.
The coroner has been informed and a report on the cause of death will be prepared.
A police spokesperson said: “Investigations are ongoing and the boy's family is being supported by specially trained officers.” Our thoughts are with the boy's loved ones at this incredibly sad time. ”
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We attended the incident at a private address in Greenset Close, Lancaster, after receiving a 999 call at 12.02pm.
“Two ambulances, an air ambulance and an operational commander attended. The patient was taken to hospital.”
My parents recently called out to me. independent person About dangerous online challenges. TikTok previously said that the platform “doesn't allow dangerous challenges, and 99 percent of content that violates these rules is proactively verified for removal.”
